Reading Group & Discussion: Human and Machine: Two Visions from 1960
Long before "alignment" was a phrase, people were thinking about how humans and machines should relate. We'll read two foundational essays from 1960 that helped define human-computer relationships and what they could become. They disagree on where it leads: is the machine a threat to control, or a partner to think with?
Wiener: Some Moral and Technical Consequences of Automation
Licklider: Man-Computer Symbiosis
Session Structure:
18:00-18:10: Introductions - please arrive on time!
18:10-18:50: silent paper reading (Please bring your own device to read on)
18:50-19:30: group discussion
Useful Links:
Discussion doc - add your notes and questions here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IkX9gzoFb4b1uJ5gjqXw4ymTmQZD_tgKoX7_DPwiAKc/edit?tab=t.jcpahw8nez2z